A TEENAGE boy is the fifth person to be charged after allegedly lighting a fire during a total fire ban in the Blue Mountains last week.
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Police were told a group of teenagers had built a fire at the base of a cliff near Wattlecliffe Drive at Blaxland about 4pm on Wednesday, August 15, when they were challenged by local residents.
The teens attempted to smother the blaze; however, it spread and firefighters from Fire and Rescue NSW were called to extinguish it before it spread into bushland.
Officers from Blue Mountains Police Area Command were alerted and arrested three boys, all aged 16, at the scene.
On Thursday, August 16, a 16-year-old girl was arrested when she attended Springwood Police Station.
They were all charged with intentionally light fire and be reckless to its spread.
Following further inquiries, a 15-year-old boy was arrested at Parramatta on Tuesday, August 21.
He was charged with intentionally light fire and be reckless to its spread, leave fire lit/used in open air without extinguishing, set fire to land during total fire ban, and fail to comply with direction of the Minister.
The five teenagers are due to appear in a children’s court next month.
Investigations are continuing.
Nadine Morton
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
